In case you're still worried about me. My mother came to the rescue. I can at least bear my hair now. Mostly I just try not to think about it. I just have to remind myself of the positives. Such as that I don't have to get a school picture this year to cement this horror in memory forever. And that hats and scarves are popular right now.

Thankfully I've been spending most of my time this week with toddlers and babies. And they don't seem to discriminate based on hairstyle. I've been filling in for a daycare at one of my subbing schools.

I can't say that I was thrilled about the idea of diapers, screaming, and food throwing. But I survived. And after watching a few preschool tv shows, I felt better. I figured that I may not be in my dream job, but neither are the singing, clapping, dancing 30 year-olds on those kids shows. And at least my days aren't documented on film for the world to see.

And besides, the kids have their moments. Such as this morning when one little guy spent 20 minutes trying to decide whether he wanted to eat his lunch or take his nap. Turns out you can't do both. Instead he spent most of his time with his eyes closed, his mouth open and mashed sweet potato all over his face.

If you are on top of the blog reading and you are reading this post tonight, look outside. The moon is beautiful now; it's a tiny little sliver of bright gold. Although if you're in Oregon, it's probably both too light out and completely overcast at this point.

In other night life: as I pulled into my parking spot this evening, I thought I saw a large fluffy cat waiting for me. Instead I realized that it was a raccoon. Not as cute as the disney version, but it's always fun to see random wildlife in the city. However, I'll be honest, I was almost scared to get out the car. He was just sitting there watching me--do raccoons bite? So I made random loud noises as I stepped out to scare him away.

We went to get our hair cut (both Ryan and I) and I had a big "before and after" ready to blog with pictures and everything. That is, until I actually got my hair cut. I decided that an after picture of a person with a paper bag over their head is boring.

That's right, my new hair cut does not deserve to be shown in any public place. Ryan said, "you could just tell people you got run over by a lawn mower." Thanks. He also offered to try to fix it for me.

Ryan's hair looks great by the way.

I should have known that I should never get my hair cut in the same building as him. Even if its cheap. I also should have known that I should leave when I looked around and only old men were in line to get their hair cut. I knew better. But I have had relatively no bad haircuts in my lifetime. And I generally trust everyone with a black apron and shiny scissors. Until today.

The sad part is that I took the lady's offer to come back in to the salon if I didn't like it when I got home. Her second try turned out worse.

Feel free to send hats or scarves or hooded sweatshirts.

Why in the world does elementary school cafeteria food look so darn good at 11:30 in the morning? It starts my stomach growling and sometimes I just want to ask if we can have some caring sharing.

But really. I ate breakfast and I'm not that desperate. mini corndogs and fish sticks shaped like smiley faces? In any normal circumstances = gross. (I realize that some people love corndogs...mother, but ew. especially when paired with chocolate milk and a fruity push-pop).

I really don't understand. But when I get home to eat my own lunch none of my "real people" food matches up. I'm still craving those mushy french fries and deep fried, uh, whatever those are.

Basically, six year olds make you crazy. Even if you're just a "subtitoot"

finally fall.

I know that it is rather midwestern of me to talk about the weather, but I think that we are finally saying goodbye to our last summer days.

This morning we woke up to a stuffy, humid apartment. We promised not to turn on the ac anymore about two weeks ago. So now all we could do was open all of our windows and hope to catch the breeze.

The breeze did come a few hours later and I've found a lovely spot on my patio to enjoy it.

However, just now I've been chased inside by a sudden downpour. There goes our warm sunny weather. I was just starting a habit of going to class with Ryan in the afternoon and sitting by the beautiful fountains on campus to enjoy the late afternoon sun.

Hopefully this rain will clear the humidity and push out those fall colors that have been so hesitant the last few weeks. I also hope that the princess club has made it indoors quickly enough. This morning the girls were sporting a new type of wardrobe. Now they are more than princesses, they're ladybugs, fairies, bumblebees, and scarecrows. I don't think they're mothers will be too happy if their new costumes get ruined before the big day is even in sight.

Traffic and parking fees instead of mist and sea gulls to greet you. High rise hotels instead of sandy cliffs and twisting trees as a background. A $2 walk down the pier instead of climbing on rocks. Walking around people instead of seashells and kelp.

The Atlantic is far far away from the Pacific.

But there's still warm sand to squish your toes in, salty waves that splash higher than you expected, and blue as far as you can see.

The truth is, even he misses it. Can't you tell? It's just not the same.

It is the beach, however. Sun, sand, and water. You have to love it, wherever you are. And we're enjoying it here, for now.

PS: I especially enjoy any chance I get to drag the studious 1L out of his desk and into the daylight. And yesterday, by the way, was a wonderful Sunday afternoon at the beach.